International Perspectives on the Implications of Cannabis Legalization: A Systematic Review & Thematic Analysis

Anees Bahji and Callum Stephenson
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Anees Bahji: Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
Callum Stephenson: School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 17, 1-9

Abstract: The legality, recreational and medical use of cannabis varies widely by country and region but remains largely prohibited internationally. In October 2018, Canada legalized the recreational use of cannabis—a move many viewed as controversial. Proponents of legalization have emphasized the potential to eradicate the marijuana black market, improve quality and safety control, increase tax revenues, improve the availability of medical cannabis, and lower gang-related drug violence. Conversely, opponents of legalization have stressed concerns about cannabis’ addictive potential, second-hand cannabis exposure, potential exacerbation of underlying and established mental illnesses, as well as alterations in perception that affect safety, particularly driving. This systematic review synthesizes recent international literature on the clinical and public health implications of cannabis legalization.

Keywords: cannabis; legalization; marijuana (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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